BOSTON, Massachusetts, USA -- Wednesday, November 27, 2013 -- The
Free Software Foundation (FSF) today announced its 2013 Giving
Guide, a resource for conscientious shoppers looking for geeky
gifts that respect users' freedom. Many holiday shoppers will be
turning to gadgets and online services as gifts for friends and
family, but these gifts are often rife with proprietary software,
anti-features, or Digital Restrictions Management (DRM), all of
which restrict how the gift can be used.

The 2013 Giving Guide,
found at fsf.org/givingguide, can be used to find great
presents that don't compromise the recipient's freedoms.

"The Giving Guide is a map through the minefield of restrictive
electronics and Web services that many will be seeking as gifts
this season, just as one might shop for fair labor products from
worker-owned cooperatives, or environmentally friendly products
from local sources. There's no need to sacrifice your freedom or
the freedom of the people you care about," said Libby Reinish,
campaigns manager for the FSF.

The FSF objects to products that run proprietary software,
because they inherently take control out of users' hands. Waiving
that control invites insecurity, surveillance, and sabotage, with
harmful implications for both society and individuals.

"The best gifts come with no strings attached. Relentless
advertising and a few nice features may make the new Windows 8.1
release and iPhones with iOS7 tempting. But gifting these
products is rewarding socially irresponsible companies, and on
top of that, encouraging recipients to support them in the
future. Our Guide highlights better gifts for a better future,"
said John Sullivan, the FSF's executive director.

About the Free Software Foundation

The Free Software Foundation, founded in 1985, is dedicated to
promoting computer users' right to use, study, copy, modify, and
redistribute computer programs. The FSF promotes the development
and use of free (as in freedom) software -- particularly the GNU
operating system and its GNU/Linux variants -- and free
documentation for free software. The FSF also helps to spread
awareness of the ethical and political issues of freedom in the
use of software, and its Web sites, located at fsf.org and
gnu.org, are an important source of information about
GNU/Linux. Donations to support the FSF's work can be made at
https://donate.fsf.org. Its headquarters are in Boston, MA,
USA.